Re-Opening Guidelines

Patient Leads and In Process

Georgetown Bariatrics and Advanced Surgical Services has resumed in-person appointments. Last month, out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with federal and state guidance, non-urgent outpatient visits were rescheduled, as clinically appropriate, to help minimize the spread of illness during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Today, current projections indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in the region, which means less strain on healthcare resources and the opportunity to safely resume in-person appointments.

We are committed to providing high quality care and protecting the health and safety of everyone who walks through our doors as we begin scheduling appointments in our offices once again. Our goal is to get back to providing the personalized care our patients expect in a way that continues to support our ongoing COVID-19 response and maintains a clean and safe environment for our team and those we serve.

Telehealth visits are still being offered as well, which give patients the opportunity to have a virtual visit with their provider. Patients can call the office and ask whether a televideo or telephonic appointment is appropriate for their needs.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgetown Bariatrics and Advanced Surgical Services has been carefully following guidance from the WEDCO District Health Department, Kentucky Department for Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, we have continually monitored the prevalence of the virus in the community and taken all precautionary measures to conserve supplies and safeguard patients, providers and staff against the spread of COVID-19.

Georgetown Bariatrics and Advanced Surgical Services will continue to screen everyone who enters the office and ask patients to bring a cloth mask or bandana to wear during their visit. Visitors will be restricted to 1 person per patient until further notice. Additionally, our clinics have implemented new processes and procedures to further protect the health of patients, providers and employees. These include:

• Pre-screening all patients for COVID-19 symptoms;
• Using block scheduling for sick and well patients;
• Minimizing patient overlap for appointments;
• Enabling patients to wait in their cars until their exam room is available, if medically appropriate;
• Removing all shared items from the waiting and exam areas, such as magazines, pens, education materials, etc.;
• Promoting social distancing in our waiting areas; and
• All patients and staff will be screened with questions regarding respiratory symptoms and travel history and have their temperature taken upon arrival, per CDC recommendations.

For more information or to make an appointment contact our office at 502-570-3727.

Patients Rescheduled Surgery

As you know, we contacted you a few weeks ago to postpone your surgery out of an abundance of caution as our practice was preparing for a potential surge of coronavirus (COVID-19) patients. Fortunately, current projections indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in our region, which means we can safely resume elective and non-urgent procedures again. We will resume bariatric surgeries the first week of June.

There are some changes in process as we are all still navigating COVID-19 and taking extra precautions to protect the safety of you and the staff caring for you.

• • You are going to be asked screening questions multiple times by multiple people, up until you are admitted for your procedure. The questions are part of our standard COVID-19 screening process and include asking if you have…

• • • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

• • • Fever
    • Chills
    • Repeated shaking with chills
    • Muscle pain
    • Headache
    • Sore throat

• • If you are having a surgical procedure, you will be asked to:
    • Practice “safer at home” behaviors to minimize potential exposure prior to your procedure. This means going a step further from social distancing – trying only to leave your home for critical needs such as groceries or going to the pharmacy. If you must leave for an essential purpose, you must wear a mask.

• • • Undergo testing for COVID-19 prior to your procedure. Dr. Eric Smith will place the order for the test and provide instruction for where to go to receive your test. If your test happens to be positive, your procedure will be postponed, and you will be given instructions related to your care.

• • Prior to surgery, it may be necessary to repeat certain components of pre-operative care, such as medical clearance exams, X-rays or lab work, for example. Your provider will let you know if this is needed.

• • Our practice and the hospital are now operating under a 1 visitor per patient protocol (some exceptions may apply) out of an abundance of caution. The hospital will provide information on where to arrive and how your family member or caregiver will be updated on your procedure.

• • When you arrive at the hospital, you will be asked the same standard screening questions and asked to wear a mask. You are encouraged to bring your own mask or bandana from home to cover your mouth and nose.

Your health is very important to us, and we really appreciate your patience and understanding during this delay. We will be calling you in the near future to reschedule your surgery date and time. Thank you again for trusting us with your healthcare needs. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Visitor Restrictions

Georgetown Community Hospital announced today that it is transitioning from a zero-visitor protocol to limited visitor restrictions as the hospital gradually resumes elective and non-urgent cases and services at its facilities. The decision was made as current projections continue to indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in the region and after careful review of state and federal guidance. The updated restrictions, which will now allow most patients to have one visitor or support person per day, have been implemented effective immediately.

“Our hospital’s top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community,” said William Haugh, chief executive officer (CEO) of Georgetown Community Hospital. “We continue to monitor closely the prevalence of the virus in our community as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients, and we feel confident that it is safe to begin allowing limited visitors again at this time.”

As part of the updated visitor restrictions, inpatients are now limited to one well visitor per day between 1 to 8 pm, including one designated support person for obstetric patients. Surgery patients are limited to one well visitor during registration and until the start of the surgical procedure. Once the surgery begins, visitors will be asked to wait in their car. If social distancing cannot be maintained in the surgery waiting room, visitors may not be permitted. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask and an armband while in the facility. Visitors do not pass the screening at entry will be asked to reschedule their visit until they are symptom-free. Visitors are not allowed for outpatient appointments, ER visits, high-risk, isolation, immunocompromised or patients who are under observation or test positive for COVID-19. The following exceptions include:

• Pediatric patients may have one WELL parent or guardian during their hospital stay.
• Patients who are at the end-of-life may have up to two WELL visitors for the length of time cleared by the attending physician.
• Patients with altered mental status, cognitive impairment, developmental delays or disruptive behavior, where a family member is key to their care, may have one WELL visitor.

Georgetown Community Hospital continues to screen everyone who enters the facility for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, per CDC guidelines. For additional updates on how the hospital is working to maintain a safe and supportive environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit GeorgetownCommunityHospital.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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